Abstract
The concept of Idea implies the Same in that it is an all-encompassing principle(arche). In contrast to this notion of a macro-Idea, this article will explore the concept of a micro-Idea that does not operate as the Same. This is important for both philosophy of difference and thinking of emancipation. It was Deleuze who first invented the concept of micro-Idea. The philosophy of difference is willing to go to the direction oppose to the macro-Idea, but it is caught from the outset in an aporia: if there is no principle, it cannot be a philosophy. To overcome this, Deleuze replaces the sameness of answers provided by the principle with the consistency of a question that is formed through the problems that are posed each time. Instead of the unity of a macro-Idea, he proposes a concept of Idea of difference that does not operate as sameness through the concept of differential virtuality, which is everywhere. From this perspective, I will note that Marxism as a thinking of emancipation is not a macro-Idea that always gives the same answer, but rather repeating questions on class and revolution that are asked as different problems again and again under each condition, and I will argue that it is precisely the consistency of thses questions that unite the different theories under the name of ‘Marxism’. And through the antinomy implicit in the general formula of capital, M-C-M, Marx poses the question that begins the critical analysis of capitalism, where I will redefine surplus value as the differential Idea of capital. This concept of micro-Idea of capital provides a starting point for understanding the ‘conservative’ behavior of workers and the masses in terms of something different than ideological support. Capitalism is driven by this Idea, but at the same time it coexists with other Ideas, even opposing Ideas of solidarity or communality. The analysis of the distribution and relations of these micro-ideal forces unites the problem of Marxists for analyzing and overthrowing capitalism. This concept of micro-Ideas will also explain why socialism and communism are different Ideas that are for different directions.
| Translated title of the contribution | Idea of difference and Marxism: On the concept of micro-Idea in Marxism |
|---|---|
| Original language | Korean |
| Pages (from-to) | 102-137 |
| Number of pages | 36 |
| Journal | 마르크스주의 연구 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 2023 |